Powerhouse prop Ofa Tuungafasi backs the belief factor in buoyant Blues

Powerhouse prop Ofa Tuungafasi recognises the mindset that’s become imbued in the Blues during this remarkable Super Rugby Pacific win streak they’re on. It’s the same steely resolve that is a constant in the All Blacks.

It has taken a while, but finally the Blues have discovered not just the winning habit – after being run down late by the Hurricanes in their season opener, they’ve rattled off nine consecutive victories to top the table with a month remaining – but the mental fortitude that goes with it.

It’s why they’re continuing to find ways to bank winning points, even when not playing well. Last Friday night in Perth was a perfect example of that. After leading 22-8 at halftime, Leon MacDonald’s men hit the skids and were forced to withstand a 26-phase post-hooter attack on their line from the Force before scrambling the 22-18 victory.

Tuungfasi, a 114-game Blues player who has seen the bad old days at their worst, tells Stuff ahead of Friday’s Eden Park matchup against the Melbourne Rebels that a special sort of culture appears to be brewing under MacDonald.

READ MORE:
* Super Rugby Pacific talking points: The Aussies are back, baby
* Frustrated Leon MacDonald wants Blues lift as Super Rugby Pacific nears business end
* Super Rugby Pacific: Blues go off the boil to scramble home 22-18 over Western Force

“We don’t talk much about records or win streaks,” says the 3src-year-old prop. “It’s just fun turning up to work. Everyone is happy, and it’s got to the stage where there’s a trust and belief that’s been built and a real desire not to let each other down. I’ve been through times when we’ve won 2-3 games a year … I’d rather be where we are now.

“We want to win and the attitude is losing sucks. It’s kind of like when I’m with the All Blacks. You have that mentality we’re not going to lose till the final